Elden Ring Greatsword Build: Weapons, Talisman, & Armor

I have more than 800 hours playing Elden Ring, and I can provide you with insights related to the best Greatsword Build.

Elden Ring Greatsword Build

My Greatsword Build revolves around roleplay as Guts from Berserk. The entire Greatsword Build is built around the weapon, which is the core. The secondary weapon is the parrying dagger, which is helpful in the hands of a skilled player who can use this to stun enemies and set up counterattacks.

Key Takeaways

  • This build utilizes the potential of the Greatsword as its main weapon, and the remaining build revolves around it.
  • As a secondary weapon, parrying Dagger complements this build, giving considerable damage.
  • The Exile Hood provides maximum physical damage negation. Blaid’s Armor, Gauntlets, and Exile Greaves complete the look for this build.
  • Radagon’s Soreseal enhances Strength along with Vigor, Dexterity, and Endurance. Bull-Goat’s talisman helps wield the Greatsword. Claw Talisman makes things easier by providing a 15% damage increase on jumping attacks.
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Here is a comparison table for the Weapons and Armor included in the Best Greatsword Build:

No.BUILDCATEGORYSTRENGTHDEXTERITYINTELLIGENCEFAITHARCANEWEIGHTPHYSICALVS SLASHVS STRIKEVS PIERCEMAGICFIRELIGHTHOLY
1GreatswordWeapon1280.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0
2Parrying DaggerWeapon5140.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0
3Exile HoodArmor0.00.00.00.00.044.44.63.44.42.83.82.33.4
4Blais’s ArmorArmor0.00.00.00.00.013.714.614.612.915.311.412.610.211.9
5Exile GreavesArmor0.00.00.00.00.05.17.17.45.47.14.56.23.85.4

The armor is supplementary to the whole roleplay aspect of Guts. The hood is included for inclusion as guts usually don’t wear a helm. The armor and gauntlets are to mimic his gear. The same goes for the greaves, as they fit the aesthetic. The used talismans enhance the effectiveness of all physical attacks. It is critical to note that this is a strength build, first and foremost.

Weapons For Greatsword Build

Greatsword

Best Greatsword for Strong Strikes.

Why did I Choose Greatsword?

The Greatsword is the core choice, resembling Guts’ weapon and delivering powerful hits. Its unique design, move set, and the option for Bloodhound’s Step Ashes of War make it a strong and thematic weapon for the Greatsword Build.

Elden Ring Greatsword Build
Greatsword | Courtesy: Fextralife

The core weapon of the Elden Ring Greatsword Build. The Greatsword is a massive hunk of metal that can dish out tons of damage. After all, it’s a slab of metal that you can use to bonk enemies to death. All jokes aside, this is an almost replica of Gut’s sword from the manga, all the way down to the trim in the center and the tang of the blade.

The default weapon skill is Stamp (Upward Cut), but I recommend replacing this with the Bloodhound’s Step Ashes of War. It provides far better utility and allows for insane movement manipulation and repositioning. It is also quite an anime that fits the build’s theme well.

You can find the Greatsword on a Hearse in Caelid, Dragonbarrow. Giant dogs will guard the Hearse.

Stat Strength Dexterity Intelligence Faith Arcane
Requirement 12 8
Scaling D D
Greatsword Stats Box

Related Article: Elden Ring Weapons Tier List

Parrying Dagger

Best PvP Weapon.

Why did I Choose Parrying Dagger?

The Parrying Dagger is a strategic choice, especially for PvP encounters. You can use it to parry and stun opponents, setting up effective counterattacks. Its selection focuses on precision and control in combat situations, providing a valuable tool for those who master it.

best greatsword build elden ring
Parrying Dagger 

It is essential for a skilled swordsman who wields next to nothing regarding secondary weapons. When encountering an enemy with the same skill level as you, its importance cannot be stressed enough.

By which I mean an invader from another world, i.e., PvP. It is used to punish the weapon-skill spammers and cheese tactic abusers. You can also use this for PvE to parry hits and stun enemies, opening them up to counterattacks and strong attacks with considerable damage.

The Parrying Dagger can be bought from Patches after he sets up shop in Murkwater Cave. The Parrying Dagger can be infused with Ashes of War, but I recommend keeping the default weapon skill simply for parrying.

Stat Strength Dexterity Intelligence Faith Arcane
Requirement 5 14
Scaling E C
Parrying Dagger Stats Box

Armor For Greatsword Build

Exile Hood

Best Armor for Balanced Protection.

Why did I Choose Exile Hood?

I chose Exile Hood for its roleplay aesthetic and practicality. It also provides a balance of protection. This choice maximizes physical damage negation, crucial for a build focused on durability and aesthetics.


best greatsword build elden ring
Exile Hood 

The Exile Hood is mainly here because a helmet is required on your character if you want the maximum amount of physical damage negation. Still, in terms of roleplay, this can be quite a good hood, and it does fit the aesthetic I aim for with this Greatsword Build.

The only way to obtain this is to kill Exile Soldiers and hope they drop their armor set pieces.

Stat Weight Physical VS Slash VS Strike VS Pierce Magic Fire Light Holy
Value 4 4.4 4.6 3.4 4.4 2.8 3.8 2.3 3.4
Exile Hood Stat Box

Blaid’s Armor & Gauntlets

Best Armor for Highest Defense.

Why did I Choose Blaid’s Armor & Gauntlets?

Blaid’s Armor and Gauntlets mimic Guts’ appearance and provide solid defense. I chose them for their resilience and battle-hardened look; they not only enhance protection but also contribute to the immersive roleplay experience in Elden Ring.

These two armor pieces are the most important for the Greatsword Build because they mimic the attire worn by Guts, which feeds into the build’s roleplay aspect. The hide cape alongside the worn and torn armor indicates a fighter who has seen battle before and come out alive. Blaid’s Armor also shows the ferocity of the wearer by using a beast’s hastily cut hide as a cape, implying the wearer cut the beat down.

To obtain Blaid’s Armor, you must follow Ranni’s questline. Give Ranni the Dark Moon Ring, and you will see Blaid talking to himself. After he is done with the dialogue, he will turn hostile. Defeating him will grant you the armor set of the warrior.

Stat Weight Physical VS Slash VS Strike VS Pierce Magic Fire Light Holy
Value 13.7 14.6 14.6 12.9 15.3 11.4 12.6 10.2 11.9
Blaid’s Armor Stats Box

Exile Greaves

Best Looking Armor Piece in Elden Ring.

Why did I Choose Exile Greaves?

The Exile Greaves are recommended for their aesthetic compatibility with Blaid’s Armor. They maintain a cohesive and battle-hardened appearance. This choice aligns with the theme of a warrior who has weathered numerous conflicts.

Elden Ring Greatsword Build
Exile Greaves 

The Exile Greaves are a good pair as they match well with the Blaid’s Armor set pieces being used, along with the optional hood, which is from the same armor set. You can use any greaves you prefer, but I recommend these because they match the aesthetic of the whole battle-hardened warrior who has lived through many conflicts.

You can get this piece of the armor set by having it drop from Exile Soldiers after killing them.

Stat Weight Physical VS Slash VS Strike VS Pierce Magic Fire Light Holy
Value 5.1 7.1 7.4 5.4 7.1 4.5 6.2 3.8 5.4
Exile Greaves Stats Box

Similar Articles: Elden Ring Best Looking Armor Sets

Talismans For Greatsword Build

Radagon’s Soreseal

Best Talisman for Strength Attributes.

Why did I Choose Radagon’s Soreseal?

I chose the Radagon’s Soreseal as it efficiently enhances attributes, offering a convenient solution for character growth. It will boost Strength, Vigor, Dexterity, and Endurance by five levels without the need for you to do extensive grinding or rune farming.

Elden Ring Greatsword Build
Radagon’s Soreseal

Are you tired of grinding out runes? Do you want the power of a few levels in your hands now? Well, look no further than the Radagon Soreseal. This neat little talisman will help you get five extra levels in strength, but not only that, but it will also boost your Vigor, Endurance, and Dexterity. All that for the price of a bit of exploration is entirely worth it compared to the hassle it would take to level up each of these attributes by five levels.

After exploring the wooden walkways, the Radagon Soreseal is found on a corpse at Fort Faroth.

Bull-Goat’s Talisman

Best Talisman for Greatsword Attacks.

Why did I Choose Bull Goat’s Talisman?

For experienced players, Bull-Goat’s Talisman is key. With a 33% poise boost, it ensures uninterrupted Greatsword attacks. This choice focuses on maintaining control in chaotic battles, allowing for confident success in encounters with enemies.

 

Bull-Goat’s Talisman 

Wielding a weapon as great as the Greatsword is no easy task. It would be even more difficult if each time you would get interrupted in the middle of a swing if the enemies were faster than you. No need to worry because the Bull-Goat’s Talisman is here to set you free.

Use it to gain 33% more poise for encounters with a monster, demon, or corrupt knight. While they are swinging their weapons, you will care not for their attempts to harm you. Instead, this will lead to them getting hit all the harder.

The Bull-Goat’s Talisman is found on a corpse in the back of Dragonbarrow Cave, around where the giant bear patrols the area.

Claw Talisman

Best Talisman for Jumping Attack Boost.

Why did I Choose Claw Talisman?

The Claw Talisman strategically enhances Elden Ring’s unique jumping attack mechanic with a 15% damage boost. It elevates the Greatsword Build by maximizing offensive capabilities for a more potent and versatile play style.

greatsword build elden ring
Claw Talisman | Courtesy: Fextralife

Elden Ring introduced a mechanic not seen in the Soulsborne line-up of games: jumping on command like in a classic video game. With this new inclusion came new methods of attack and defense. There is an alternative to rolling by jumping over ground-shattering moves with a large area of effect hitboxes for defense-focused players.

However, there came jumping attacks that stagger enemies when hit multiple times for more attack-focused players. This talisman aims to boost our Greatsword Build to new heights with an enhanced 15% damage increase to jumping attacks.

The Claw Talisman is found on a corpse at Stormveil Castle, although getting to it is tricky and requires some horseback parkour.

  • Greatsword deals significant damage, facilitating easier enemy dispatch.
  • Parrying Dagger allows skilled players to stun enemies and set up counterattacks.
  • Armor pieces mimic Guts’ look, adding a thematic element.
  • Radagon’s Soreseal boosts Strength, Vigor, Dexterity, and Endurance.
  • Bull-Goat’s Talisman provides 33% more poise for uninterrupted attacks.
  • Claw Talisman grants a 15% damage increase to jumping attacks.

  • Armor can be heavy, affecting mobility.
  • Effective use of Parrying Dagger demands skillful timing.
  • Some armor pieces require specific actions, making them hard to find.
  • Greatsword’s melee nature poses challenges against ranged enemies.

What Would I Recommend?

For experienced players seeking an immersive Greatsword Build reminiscent of Guts from Berserk, prioritize getting the Greatsword and Parrying Dagger. The Greatsword’s immense damage and thematic resonance with Guts’ iconic weapon and the strategic use of the Parrying Dagger for precision counters offer a formidable combination for both PvE and PvP encounters.

When assembling your armor set, opt for the Exile Hood, Blaid’s Armor and Gauntlets, and Exile Greaves for practical protection and a cohesive aesthetic. To efficiently enhance your character’s attributes, use Radagon’s Soreseal. This will give you a convenient boost to Strength, Vigor, Dexterity, and Endurance.

Equipping the Bull-Goat’s Talisman for uninterrupted Greatsword attacks will provide you with a 33% poise boost, and incorporating the Claw Talisman for a 15% damage increase to jumping attacks, will add versatility to your offensive repertoire. This detailed setup pays respect to Guts and ensures a potent and thematic gaming experience in the challenging world of Elden Ring.

Related Article: Elden Ring Best Talismans.

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